Senate Committee Approves RFK Stadium Lease Bill

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has passed a bill (H.R. 4984) allowing Washington, D.C. to gain control of the RFK Stadium site through a 99-year lease, a significant step towards potentially bringing the Washington Commanders back to the city. This bipartisan-supported bill, which previously passed the House with a 348-55 vote, will now head to the full Senate for further discussion before Congress adjourns in January. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed that this legislation could transform the underutilized site into a vibrant community hub with affordable housing and recreational facilities. The Commanders, currently seeking a new home, have noted that this vote brings them closer to discussions with D.C. and neighboring Maryland and Virginia. Some Senators, like Steve Daines, have expressed conditional support, emphasizing the need for the Commanders to honor their past, particularly regarding the former team's Native American logo. The final approval of the bill is crucial for the city to utilize the land for future developments or a new stadium.